Five artists present contemporary interpretations of classic form

Saturday

Jul 5, 2014 at 12:01 AM

WESTPORT — Versed in the study of art history and a developed personal aesthetic language, five artists, Anne Leone, Dan Ludwig, John Borowicz, Sergei Isupov, and Walter Horak present contemporary interpretations of a classic form. The exhibit runs from July 2 through 27, with the artists' reception on Saturday, July 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.

WESTPORT — Versed in the study of art history and a developed personal aesthetic language, five artists, Anne Leone, Dan Ludwig, John Borowicz, Sergei Isupov, and Walter Horak present contemporary interpretations of a classic form. The exhibit runs from July 2 through 27, with the artists' reception on Saturday, July 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Floating, diving, relaxing and hovering, the figures in Anne Leone's underwater paintings are unaware of the viewer, and yet the one feels an intimate presence with them. Leone masterfully captures the weight and character of the human form and the quality of light under water. Her paintings are realist, but allegorical: stillness and motion, weightlessness and mass, skin clothed and revealed. Parts submerged and breaking through the surface suggest themes beyond what is immediately visible.

Dan Ludwig takes cues from painting styles from the 15th century to the present, interweaving them into dynamic compositions of figures distorted, contorted and transected in imagined settings. The figure is the central element of Ludwig's work, which he depicts with a broad and varied color palate. He sees these works as an analogy for contemporary society: a synths of human history and expression overlapping in a diverse world enlivened by technology and accelerated communication.

Superbrains, John Borowicz, 2014

John Borowicz's artistic roots are in traditional portraiture and landscape, although surprising to a viewer observing his wildly composed stylized imagery. A closer look reveals an incredible painterly aptitude. The works, according to Borowicz are representational and realistic: they are simply accurate representations of an alternate reality. With a fresh sense of humor and self deprecation, his works explore issues that are central to our contemporary reality- parenthood, cultural identity and outsider status.

Sergei Isupov uses the figure as one part of an arsenal of narrative tools to create surreal and dreamlike porcelain sculptures. Body parts, clothing, texture, and symbol blend, push and pull against each other, but sit quietly in juxtaposition. The resulting ceramic sculptures are simultaneously invigorated with tension and beautifully harmonious. His work displays a unique mastery of material and image, a sense of humor and irony, and an unbridled imagination.

Walter Horak composes amalgamations of figures in bronze. The works are inspired by modern dance, contortion, calligraphy, poetry, community, and personal experience. Textural and anonymous, the figures become brushstrokes to the principles of sculpture: balance, tension, weight, space and material.

The figure is not only one of the original forms depicted in art, it is also the vessel through which we experience art, understand scale, and relate to objects in space. Figure drawing is the basis of art education and practice for artists working in all mediums. Leone, Ludwig, Borowicz, Isupov, and Horak utilize the figure and its context throughout the history of human expression in fresh, diverse, and thought-provoking ways. This exhibit links the power of the figure to the human psyche, presenting artists who utilize this connection to create works that touch the audience in an elemental way. The viewer is left with a host of thoughts and conversations about art making and the human experience.

Also during the month of July, WaterFire Providence and Dedee Shattuck Gallery are pleased to announce WaterFire: Illuminating the Mirror, Thursday, July 24 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Barnaby Evans, creator of WaterFire will speak of the artwork's intention and impact in Providence, share images of WaterFire projects around the world and reflect on the place of art and ritual in our public and private lives. Being WaterFire expect some surprises!

The Gallery is located at 1 Partners Lane (off 865 Main Road), Westport. They can be reached by calling (508) 636-4177or visiting www.dedeeshattuckgallery.com. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m.